Volume 6.18 | May 23

Researchers Find New Molecule to Treat Asthma
Researchers identified a novel molecule that prevents T-cells from orchestrating asthma brought on by allergens. The findings show promise for a new potent therapeutic agent to treat asthma, a chronic disease affecting more than 25 million Americans. [Press release from Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute discussing online prepublication in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA]
Press Release|
Abstract

Adenosine Triphosphate Acts as a Paracrine Signaling Molecule to Reduce the Motility of T Cells
Investigators showed a novel form of cell-to-cell communication based on adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP released by stimulated T cells induces P2X4/P2X7-mediated calcium waves in neighboring lymphocytes. Data obtained in lymph node slices suggest that, during T-cell priming, ATP acts as a paracrine messenger to reduce the motility of lymphocytes and that this may be relevant to allow optimal tissue scanning by T cells. [EMBO J]
Abstract

B Cells with Immune-Regulating Function in Transplantation
Authors review the current understanding of the various phenotypes and roles that have been associated with immune-regulating B cells. They also discuss the mechanisms employed by subsets of these regulatory B cells to control the immune response in transplant recipients and in animal models of transplantation. [Nat Rev Nephrol]
Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the immune regulation field.